Kurt Beier "Fantasy" Sofa in Longhair, Germany 1980s
Kurt Beier "Fantasy" Sofa in Longhair, Germany 1980s
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
This “Fantasy” sofa, designed by Kurt Beier, epitomises the avant-garde and experimental nature of postmodern design. Created during a period marked by a break from traditional creative conventions, this piece combines unconventional materials and bold forms that challenge the boundaries of furniture design. Postmodernism embraced a playful approach to design, making this sofa not only functional but also a statement piece that serves to inject energy and individuality into any interior.
The sofa's striking visual contrast is created through the juxtaposition of the industrial feel of the metal structure and the luxurious, soft longhair upholstery. The smooth backrest is made of steel, strong and durable, ensuring longevity. The metal’s cool, smooth silver surface stands out beautifully against the warmth and cosiness of the upholstery, creating a compelling dialogue between the distinct materials and highlighting the tactile dimension of the sofa. The designer did not forget to ensure comfort when envisioning the silhouette of the piece - the curved metal wraps around the seat in an almost cocoon-like manner, providing both support and an intriguing visual element. The upholstery’s fluffy texture, on the other hand, contributes an organic softness that contrasts sharply with the mechanical, rigid nature of the metal. The wooden legs become the mediating element, adding a natural, grounding element to the sofa, balancing the two mediums.
With a sense for incredible craftsmanship and endless passion for innovation, Beier's work captures the essence of the 1980s design ethos, where function and form merge with playfulness. Thus, the sofa becomes a character inside a room rather than seating alone. Its bold combination of materials, contrasting textures, and sculptural form make this piece perfect for modern interiors that value individuality and creative expression.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has recently been reconditioned. The metal frame has a beautiful patina. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The seat has recently been reupholstered in premium longhair. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
72,04 in W x 36,22 in D x 26,18 in H; Seat height 16,92 in; Seat depth 24,01 in; Arm height 26,18 in
183 cm W x 92 cm D x 66.5 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Seat depth 61 cm; Arm height 66.5 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This “Grand Pedro” armchair shows the curviness that defined the design of the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs developed this model for his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy.
The “Grand Pedro” model has a soft, sculptural shape paired with an ergonomic construction, which is very representative of the designer’s beliefs. Hiort af Ornäs was very firm about two things regarding his chair designs: the sitting comfort and that the model must look good from every single angle. “Pedro” fulfils these principles, for as even from the bottom, it showcases the elongated, tapered back legs that are visually captivating. The body has a welcoming look, with outward curving armrests and a slightly bent backrest. In service of utmost comfort, the sheepskin upholstery is extremely soft. The light colour and texture of the sheepskin complements the lacquered wood legs beautifully, highlighting their sculptural lines.
The craftsmanship and quality provided by Hiort af Ornäs is very visible in the “Pedro” collection that includes a sofa besides this chair. The seating designs of the architect/designer have been gradually more and more recognized world-wide, which resulted in the recent exhibition titled “Forgotten Ornäs”.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.13 in W x 28.34 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
74 cm W x 72 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 44 cm
About the designer:
Carl-Gustaf Vilhelm (nicknamed “Nalle”) Hiort of Ornäs was born on 27 February 1911 and lived most of his life in Tapiola/Espoo in Finland and in his later life moved to Spain. He is remembered as a Finnish interior architect and designer known to be uncompromising.
Before the Finnish wars (1939-1944), Hiort af Ornäs spent his time in Pori, working at Björneborgs Mekaniska Verkstad. He studied at the Helsinki University of Technology to become an architect but never graduated. He did, however, become known as an interior designer, and eventually even more known as a furniture designer.
In 1945, Hiort af Ornäs founded the furniture company Puunveisto Oy, for which he developed versatile techniques for shaping plywood. He started the furniture manufacturing shop on Lauttasaari in Helsinki (Veneentekijäntie 14) together with his brother. The wood shop, showroom and office were all located in the same building in Helsinki. Rolf Mesterton was the man in charge of producing the furniture, but there were several other carpenters at work in the woodshop. Hiort af Ornäs’s furniture was exhibited and sold by the shop Nupponen who also distributed Olavi Hänninen’s designs, while Puunveisto’s furniture were also sold by Gösta Westerbergs Möbler in Stockholm, Sweden but, in spite of a good selection of chairs, tables and shelves, did not do too well. Since production costs were high, Hiort af Ornäs faced economic troubles. The company was later sold to Nupponen after which Hiort af Ornäs’s interest in the company waned.
Hiort af Ornäs spent his retirement in Spain, and designed several buildings for Fuengirola’s Los Pacos neighbourhood, which has a large Finnish population. His house that he drew and built in Tapiola, Espoo, Finland, ‘Villa Hiort’, still stands and houses some of the designer’s original drawings. It is a beautiful example of 1950s Modernism and the talent of Hiort af Ornäs that brought him recognition that lasts to this day. ~H.